Good post....After the first 10 games you get a feeling of where we'll end up...Oddly, enough, looking at the fixtures the 1st ten look tricky to me, but games 11 to 20 don't seem as bad. I can see us in the bottom 5 after 10, but just a smidgen below midtable after 20.
All the ‘Championship experts’ have us in the bottom 3 in their podcast 1-24’s. They presume because we finished 4th from bottom and have a fee embargo that we’ll go down. I think that’s just lazy analysis on their part. We have a decent squad (just short of a striker) but nevertheless it’s ok. This time around we haven’t appointed a lunatic with a ridiculous system. I think Sergey will play sensible football which will give us the optimum chance of getting something from each game and adapt as necessary depending on the opponent. I see a comfortable 14th place this season with us never being in danger of relegation.
The defence was great last season. I think this season, it’s even better. Central midfield is better, with more Championship experience.
Ajayi has been an upgrade on Jones (based on last season) and if he stays fit. I also think Famewo is an upgrade on McLoughlin (as much as I appreciated Macca!). If Drameh performs consistently he will be also be a huge step up from Coyle. I just wish I could say similar in forward positions.
Even the 'non experts' have us in the bottom 3....Check out this bloke and subsequent contributors. I'd Kev Keegan style 'luv it, absolutely luv it' if we prove them all wrong. Got a decent chance to do that. My 1-24 Championship Predictions! (2025/26)
Seems the old Supercomputer needs putting out to pasture. https://theanalyst.com/articles/championship-predictions-opta-supercomputer-2025-26
I'm fine with being the popular choice for relegation and I get it: national pundits see the headlines and miss the nuance. On paper - we have last season's debacle, car crash ownership, the restrictions, sales versus free transfer signings etc. So, all in all, we're a safe and predictable choice. From my point of view, staying up is the number one target too.
Not just amused by his opinions about us but the comments section all have us almost unanimously in the bottom 3. Clearly most of our preseason has gone under the radar.
I might have to revise my prediction. Be interesting to see how this team knits together. I like the fact we have some quality ****housery incoming.
Well i can get a bit excited at times ( ahem). But im begining to think a top six place is achievable with the new signing strengthening us where we need it. Seems a well balanced squad now
IF and when deals for Mcburnie and Gelhardt are completed, I suspect you won't be the only one - me included
